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A Wander In The Woods | Creative Writing Contest | Elementary
A Wander In The Woods invites your students to fall in love with story writing...
Engage and inspire your students to write a mini saga, a story told in 100 words!
There's nothing better than a campfire tale, so we're inviting your students to craft their own story inspired by a walk in the woods. From fantastical, imaginary tales to real-life events, from supernatural stories to recounts of well-known legends, there's no shortage of inspiration to get their creativity flowing!
Perfect for 6-13 year-olds, it's easy to adapt to different abilities and link with your current topics. Plus there are loads of FREE online resources to download to support your teaching including:
🌲 Example stories from previous contest winners
🍄 Story mountain to help students plan their tales
🌲 How To Write a Mini Saga lesson plan
🍄 Accompanying PowerPoint presentation (also available in Google Slides)
🌲 Student information guide so you can set the activity as homework
🍄 Word Doc entry form if you prefer a paperless option
So if you go down to the woods today, you're sure of a delightful surprise as your students develop into confident writers. We can't wait to read their stories!
Closing Date: Friday Feb 21, 2025
We've worked with over 20,000 schools. Here's what some of them have to say...
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This is my sixth year using YW to publish my students' writing and they are so easy to work with! My students are always excited to use the provided theme and challenge themselves to be chosen!
Thank you so much for another opportunity! The class really enjoyed this.
Justina Denapoli, Father Vincent Capodanno Catholic Academy, NYSee more...
The students enjoyed the freedom of this project (Peculiar Pets). It got them excited to write.
Amanda Peterson, Christ The King School, NYSee more...
Peculiar Pets was a great activity!
Anne Piccoli, Immaculate Heart Of Mary School, NYSee more...
Thank you for the intriguing prompts and engaging activities! I look forward to these contests each year.
Mike Carter, Millis Middle/High School, MASee more...
My students absolutely loved the challenge of writing mini sagas!
Darla Bubar, Edward Town Middle School, NYSee more...
The story starters are so fun!
Nichole Charbonneau, Old Rochester Regional Junior High School, MASee more...
My students look forward to this contest every year, and so do I!
Rachel Barnes, Monomay Regional High School, MASee more...
This was such a fun way to have my students engaged with their writing!
Christina Guertin, Midland Street School, NYSee more...
This is my sixth year using YW to publish my students' writing and they are so easy to work with! My students are always excited to use the provided theme and challenge themselves to be chosen!
To make sure your entries are valid, please follow the rules listed below:
Closing Date: Friday Feb 21, 2025
Only one entry per student, there is no limit to the number of entries per school. Teachers please submit your entries altogether where possible!
Mini sagas can be on the entry form or a sheet of paper or typed.
Mini sagas must be your students' own work.
Mini sagas must be told in no more than 100 words (the title isn't included in this).
Ensure that all students include their name and age on their entries.
Story starters are optional but if used must be included in your students' word count.
US entrants only.
Free to enter.
If you are unsure on any rules or have any queries, please don't hesitate to Contact Us.
For Schools
The Young Writers’ Award of Excellence is awarded to the school that submits the best set of entries for this contest.
PLUS every participating school receives a free copy of the book their students feature in.
(The more entries you send, the more free books you’ll receive: E.g. Send 1-30 entries & you'll receive 1 free copy, send 31-60 entries you'll receive 2 free copies, etc.)
For Pupils
Our favorite 3 writers will each win a fantastic creative writing goody bag!
PLUS every entrant receives a bookmark for taking part. Students chosen for publication also receive a certificate.
(The school & student winners will be chosen from the entries received Jan-Feb 2025 and prizes awarded the following semester.)
Enter Online
Email
Email your entries to [email protected]
and please ensure your students' names and ages are on their work, and that you include your name, school name and school address in your email. Thank you!
Please ensure your name, email and school name and address are included with your entries if you send entries digitally via a non-Young Writers service.
Send by Post
Send your entries, along with your school entry form, to:
Young Writers Elementary 77 Walnut Street Unit 11 Peabody MA 01960
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